Thursday, April 28, 2016

After looking over some of my most recently published designs, I realized several of them would make great Mother's Day gifts. Here are two necklaces that work up quickly and are one-size-fits-all!

Shannon Necklace

(Photo courtesy of Annie's)

This necklace pattern can be found in the Summer 2016 issue of Crochet! magazine - it is on newsstands now and can be purchased as an instant digital download here.

It is crocheted with Nazli Gelin's Garden 3 Egyptian Cotton crochet thread (Click here to see all the great colors it comes in.) and features a simple Celtic Knot in the center reminiscent of the River Shannon and how it winds through Ireland. A variety of beads are sewn on to give it some sparkle.

Pink Dogwood Necklace

(Photo courtesy of Annie's)

I love when our pink dogwood in our front yard blooms - then I know spring has definitely arrived! (Well, it has not bloomed yet but it should soon.) This Pink Dogwood Necklace was fun and quick to make. The addition of the pink-colored glass pearl beads (that I found at Hobby Lobby) makes for a very classy touch.

You can also find the yarn I used at Hobby Lobby - Lizbeth Size 10 Crochet Cotton. This was the first time I used this thread - it is often used for tatting so it holds its shape and the knots/twists in the stitches very well.﻿

The pattern for this design can be found in the April 2016 issue of Crochet World hereor at your local craft or bookstore. (Just saw several copies at Michael's yesterday.)

Monday, April 25, 2016

This design is one of my most special projects that I have created so far.

It can be found in the April 2016 issue of Crochet World and can be purchased as an instant digital download here.

We had many beautiful crochet projects around our house when I was growing up - most of these projects were crocheted by my father's mother, "Bobbie", using the fine cotton crochet thread. I loved to look over the shapes and stitches of these projects. One of my favorite projects was the Queen Anne's Lace Tablecloth.

I re-created that tablecloth pattern to make this wrap in honor of my grandmother (whom I never met since she passed away before I was born.) I changed the number of petals in each flower and crocheted a different type of leaf to join the spaces in between each flower. I also crocheted it with a much thicker yarn by Omega called Fontana. I love the salmon color!

(This yarn comes in several vibrant colors - click here to see more- Creative Yarn Source is a great supplier for cotton yarns.)

Thank you to Crochet World for printing a photo of me and my grandmother along with a paragraph about her and my inspiration. She was a special woman who created beautiful crocheted items - I am proud to honor her memory with the Bobbie's Lace Wrap.

Friday, April 22, 2016

This project is in the June issue of Crochet World - I crocheted it with one of my favorite cotton yarns to work with - Omega Sinfonia - in a beautiful green colorway - #840 Green Leaf. If you look closely, you can see that there are flower motifs along the top edge with a textured stitch around the bulk of the bag.

I am very pleased to say that this bag is my 100th published design. You can read a short article about this achievement here (Crochet World's Editor's Blog post for April 20, 2016) that Carol Alexander was so very kind to post this week.

When I first sent in a design idea 5 years ago I just thought it was a neat thing to try. Now I am truly blessed to be a crochet designer and I have many people to thank for helping me along the way:

The team of editors and tech editors at Annie's publishing - they have been great to work with, especially Carol Alexander, Jackie Daugherty, Sara Meyer and Ellen Gormley.

My mother-in-law for hanging out with my kids several evenings so that I could continue teaching my crochet class.

My daughters who always show interest in my various projects and have patience while I crochet away at home.

My mom who sends me many catalog clippings for inspiration and, along with my dad, is always interested in my crochet endeavors.

My grandmother who has passed on wonderful creativity genes to our whole family!

My other grandmother who passed on the love of crochet (see next post to hear more about her).

And a BIG THANK YOU goes to my husband who cooks many delicious meals, helps clean the house and often takes care of our girls so that I can spend time designing, teaching and crocheting. Without him I would not be able to do what I do!

Saturday, April 16, 2016

When I was in middle school I started learning a few languages. Our school offered French, German, Spanish and Russian. Everyone could try out each language for a few months and then pick one to study in 8th grade and all through high school. I picked Russian and loved studying a language that looked so different.

Then when I was in high school, our school was chosen as a 'sister school' of a special English-teaching school in Moscow. I was able to go live with a Russian family for a month my junior and senior year and a Russian girl came and lived with us for a month each year. It was a wonderful experience and helped me decide to study Russian in college. Now I teach Russian to kids of all ages and continue to enjoy learning about their culture and history.

I love many examples of Russian Folk Art that can be seen in their folk costumes, nesting dolls, village crafts and in every souvenir shop. In the Spring issue of Crochet! there is a Russian-inspired girl's dress - the Eva Folk Jumper.

﻿

Some of the Russian folk costumes are similar to this - they have a band of decorative ribbon along the top and down the center. This decorative band is made out of several flower motifs. I crocheted this with Omega Sinfonia's 100% cotton yarn - it comes in bright colors and looks great in all the stitches. The pattern can be found here as an instant digital download - It is written for several sizes - 12 mo, 2T, 3T and 4T.﻿

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Mother's Day will be here soon - do you have an idea what you would like to give your mother? Or is there another mom in your life that you would like to honor and encourage next month?

Well, here are 3 projects that can be found in the April 2016 issue of I Like Crochet that would make great gifts and are quick to make.

Shimmer and Shine Necklace

This necklace is crocheted with Oso Blanco's Scubidu Gold yarn - the photo doesn't do the yarn justice - it sparkles and shines wonderfully. The centerpiece is a beautiful cabochon (moonstone) that I found on www.etsy.com.

Vivid Floral Tote

This bag is crocheted with vibrant colors of one of my favorite yarns - Sinfonia (100% cotton) by Omega. The floral stitch is easier than it looks and is just a 3 round repeat.

Celtic Knot Necklace

This decorative knot is the "Motherhood Knot" - if you look closely, you can see 2 hearts intertwined to make the pendant. The beads are real coral beads that compliment the mint DMC embroidery floss well.

I Like Crochet is a digital only crochet publication - once you buy a year's subscription you instantly have access to all patterns that have published thus far. It's a great deal and there are many great projects!

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

As I prepare for our trip to Ireland, I have been collecting a variety of photos on my Pinterest board, "Ireland" (https://www.pinterest.com/celknotcrochet/ireland/) - There are so many beautiful places to see! I can't get enough of the coastline, castles and green hills.

Above is pictured the South Beach in Greystones, Ireland which was the inspiration for the name of this cowl that was published in the February Issue of Crochet World.

Greystones Cowl (Photo courtesy of Annie's)

This is a unique cowl in that it is reversible and has a button closure. This front square shows the Diamond Stitch and the 'hidden' square is made up of the Basketweave Stitch. The part that wraps around your neck is made up of several rows of stitches worked in the back loop only to give a great ribbed effect. I crocheted it with a beautiful yarn -Plymouth Yarn's DK Superwash Merino - that shows the stitch definition wonderfully and feels soft against your skin. This is a warm cowl which we still need up here in New England since it has snowed twice since April arrived!!

This and many other great patterns can be purchased as an instant digital download here.

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Come learn (or review) the basics of crochet while making a Friendship Shawl. This shawl makes a great comfort gift for a friend or family member who is going through a rough time. We will be working on other smaller projects while practicing various techniques. Several free patterns to choose from to match your skill level. All levels of crochet welcome.

Email Jennifer to register.

Parent/Child Workshop

Crochet Workshop

A 1-Day Workshop

for Parent and Child

Saturdays

Next Workshop: TBA

9:30 to 11:30 am

Local Craft Store Classroom

Learn to crochet together while making a pretty necklace for yourself or a friend. Ages 7 and up.